Your vagina can have seasonal allergies — how hay fever can show up down below
If the sweltering heat wasn't enough, New Yorkers can also look forward to a wave of pollen in July that'll have you sneezing as you sweat.
And — as bizarre as it sounds — those seasonal allergies can even affect women… down there.
A wave of pollen in July can leave you sneezing as you sweat.
WavebreakmediaMicro – stock.adobe.com
The same pesky particles that cause your eyes to itch and throat to tickle can trigger inflammation in your vagina — a little-known condition called allergic vaginitis — with all the usual itching and burning involved.
'The vagina has a mucosal surface similar to the nose or eyes — and can be affected by allergens circulating in the body, as well as by direct contact,' Dr. Tania Adib, a consultant gynecologist at the Lister Hospital in London, told the Daily Mail.
A 2022 systematic review found that — after direct contact allergens like semen — the most common culprits in 'indirect' vulvovaginal allergy were house dust mites (54%) and pollen (44%).
Another study, conducted in 2007, found that women who had allergies or a family history of them had a higher risk of vaginal issues. In fact, many who hadrecurrent vulvovaginitis also had hay fever, eczema and asthma.
Finally, when women with both allergies and vaginal symptoms were treated with immunotherapy in another study, both their traditional allergy symptoms and the ones down below got better.
'If you are prone to allergies generally, you could get vaginal symptoms. It's not the first thing I'd consider, but if everything else has been ruled out, it's something to think about,' Adib added.
But just because it's real doesn't mean your PCP will take you seriously, unfortunately.
'Seasonal allergens may trigger vulvovaginal symptoms in sensitive women. A clue is if you suffer from recurrent irritation that coincides with peak pollen periods and other conditions, such as thrush, have been ruled out.'
A 2022 systematic review found that — after direct contact allergens like semen — the most common culprits in 'indirect' vulvovaginal allergy were house dust mites (54%) and pollen (44%).
doucefleur – stock.adobe.com
Dr. Keira Barr, a board-certified dermatologist working with Plum Vagiceuticals, recently told The Post that vaginal issues in general are often 'dismissed, misdiagnosed, or internalized as something women should just put up with.'
That kind of neglect can leave women feeling ashamed, uncomfortable and disconnected from their bodies — which, Barr said, only makes the skin more sensitive to stress.
'The nervous system becomes hyper-alert, the skin barrier weakens, and the cycle continues,' she explained.
So, if you suspect your lady parts have a case of the sniffles, talk to your doctor about allergic vaginitis.
Experts also recommend getting testing for allergies and giving standard antihistamines a go — although an allergist may suggest immunotherapy for long-term relief of both respiratory and vaginal symptoms.
You can even get a vaginal microbiome test.
Use a diary to track the itchy days and compare them to pollen forecasts, and avoid potential triggers like perfumes and synthetic panties.
Remember: your hoo-ha also needs a chance to breathe.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Stuff yer face, keep the pounds off -- if you follow this rule
Dieters can have their cake and eat it too — provided they follow one rule. Spanish researchers found that mice who overate — but were only given food during certain windows, a practice known as intermittent fasting — didn't gain weight, defying commonly given advice that you should still eat healthy to reap the benefits of the popular trend. For the study, obese mice were put on a 1:1 or 2:1 intermittent fasting regimen — meaning they were allowed to gorge for one or two days in a row on a 60% fat diet — followed by a full day of fasting. 5 Researchers found that intermittent fasting helped with weight, regardless of caloric intake. doucefleur – Even with this questionable diet, intermittent fasting prevented weight gain the same way a healthy diet would, the researchers found. 'The results could have important implications for people with obesity,' lead author Victòria Ceperuelo Mallafré, a researcher at the Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona, Spain, told The Post. 5 Victòria Ceperuelo Mallafré led the research. Victòria Ceperuelo Mallafré/ Linkedin She says this means there's alternatives to driving yourself crazy counting calories if you're conscious of your weight. 'One of the biggest challenges in losing weight is sticking to a strict diet with imposing sustained caloric restriction.' 5 Researchers looked at the effects of intermittent fasting on obese mice. Sabriel Smutní½ – Human dieters may not need to go to the extreme of fasting for a full day. Preliminary, unpublished results from her research group suggest that fasting for just certain hours of the day could lead to improvements, Ceperuelo Mallafré said. 5 Researchers found intermittent fasting helped regulate blood sugar levels too, even when eating unhealthily. Sia – 5 Researchers say the findings are important for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. New Africa – Typically, humans practice intermittent fasting by not eating for anywhere between 12 and 16 hours a day, usually overnight. The mice studied also saw their blood sugar and cholesterol levels drop without having to cut their daily caloric intake. The findings were published last month in medical journal The Lancet and are among the latest in a wide body of research pushing the purported benefits of intermittent fasting.
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Can a ‘cortisol mocktail' lower your stress? How to make it — and the benefits and limits of this viral drink
The internet is buzzing about the benefits of the so-called 'cortisol mocktail,' with fans claiming the viral tonic can reduce the stress hormone and bring the body into balance. And folks, we can use it — 73% of Americans say that stress has an impact on their quality of life, and nearly half of us admit to suffering from burnout. But can the fruity ingredients really help your hormones and relieve stress? The Post asked a dietitian to spill the (calming) tea. Advertisement The classic cortisol mocktail recipe from @tennesseegirlx includes coconut water, magnesium, juice and sea salt. Tiktok/@tennesseegirlx TikTokker @tennesseegirlx shared the viral recipe, racking up one million views and loads of comments on that app. She said she drinks it several times a week to reduce cortisol, which 'causes a lot of the issues with menopause.' It includes: Advertisement 1 cup coconut water Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1/4 cup orange juice 200 mg magnesium 1/4 teaspoon sea salt sparkling water Cortisol is released when stress hits, triggering that familiar 'fight, flight, or freeze' response. It helps regulate key functions throughout the body, including the reproductive, immune and endocrine systems. Helpful in short bursts, too much too often can cause a host of physical problems, including but not limited to bloating, vision changes, hair loss, muscle tension, exhaustion and dreaded 'moon face.' Advertisement Cortisol can also elevate blood pressure and promote inflammation within blood vessels. The lauded cortisol mocktail is designed to boost energy and ease stress — and while there are benefits, one expert says there are also limits to how much power the punch can pack. F8 \ Suport Ukraine – 'While a drink cannot 'lower cortisol' by itself, it could support the body's ability to do so naturally,' Maura Donovan, registered dietitian and Medical Education Specialist, Sports Nutrition at Thorne, told the Post. Advertisement 'The combination of ingredients can help replenish electrolytes, which can be depleted due to high cortisol levels, and promote relaxation to keep it in check.' She notes that excessive stress, irregular sleep patterns, and inflammation can all contribute to an unhealthy spike in cortisol levels. 'Consequently, one might experience anxiousness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, muscle tension, discomfort or weakness, and digestive issues.' When the body's cortisol levels are high, Donovan notes, the hormone can act as a diuretic — and the cortisol mocktail can help restore what's been lost. 'When mixed, this concoction can support hydration and relaxation by replenishing key minerals,' she said. And each of these ingredients offers unique value. Advertisement 'Coconut water provides a hydrating base that offers electrolytes like potassium, as well as small amounts of magnesium and sodium,' she explained. Vitamin C in the lemon and orange juices aids adrenal function, while sea salt supports cellular hydration and fluid balance. 'Added magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, particularly those related to sleep and stress regulation,' she went on. :It also helps convert tryptophan, a vital amino acid, into serotonin — a precursor to melatonin (the sleep hormone).' Advertisement Donovan added that magnesium helps relax both smooth and skeletal muscles, crucial for unwinding at the end of the day. To that end, she recommends cueing up the mocktail before turning in. 'While any time of day offers the same benefits, people may opt for this drink before bedtime, given that magnesium can support restful sleep,' she said. For those looking for additional ways to reduce stress, Donovan has a few key recommendations, including taking supplements formulated for stress, 'Ginseng is known to help the body adapt to stress while also supporting cognitive functions like focus and memory. Additionally, supplements that promote healthy adrenal gland function can be key to managing stress,' she said. Advertisement Beyond supplements, exercise, spending time in nature and meditation stand out as the most effective ways to mitigate stress and lower cortisol levels. Adopting a balanced, nutritious diet and steering clear of smoking, alcohol consumption, or recreational drug use are also fundamental steps to reduce stress. Experts agree that if you feel that stress is having a substantial impact on your health and overall quality of life, it's wise to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Don't skip a beat: This home heart monitor is under $100 before Prime Day ends tonight
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Looking for a simple way to stay on top of your heart health? We've found a solution — no hospital visits necessary. The KardiaMobile 6-Lead EKG Monitor has officially gone on sale for $99, but this deal is sure to beat away fast. Amazon Prime Day 2025 wraps up in a matter of hours, which means you won't have much time to get hold of this home health hack. The KardiaMobile is a credit-card-sized handheld device that provides FDA-cleared determinations of your heart rhythm in just 30 seconds. All you have to do is connect it to your smartphone or tablet, and lay your finger over the sensor. From there, KardiaMobile provides a detailed view of your heart activity, recognizing up to six of the most common arrhythmias — including AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, and Normal Sinus Rhythm. You can even share the results with your physician using the companion app. Advertisement Whether you're monitoring a condition or simply looking for deeper insights into your heart health, this small device is an incredible investment. Snag it now, while it's 34% off for Prime Day, and catch issues before they arise. Future you will thank you! Amazon Skip the waiting room and take control of your heart health from home. The KardiaMobile 6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor is a pocket-sized lifesaver that delivers medical-grade heart readings in just 30 seconds. No wires, no mess — just fast, easy-to-read results. It detects AFib, bradycardia, and more with six leads of heart data. Whether you're monitoring a condition or just keeping tabs, this Prime Day deal is too smart (and too affordable) to pass on. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. Your Prime Day FAQs, answered How long does Prime Day last? In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. When does Prime Day end? Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals. Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day? Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached. Do Prime Day deals change? Yes! Amazon drops new deals daily, slashing prices on already-discounted bestsellers throughout the sale. Additionally, keep an eye out for Lightning Deals, which last for a very limited time until stock runs out. Act fast when you see a good deal, they don't last forever! What are the best Prime Day deals? From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Is Prime Day worth it? We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale. When is the next Prime Day? Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday. Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals.
